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SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

1. Contact the Mount Pleasant Police Department at: 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone:(843) 884-4176 or Fax: (843) 849-2765
2. Complaint received and an investigation is initiated
3. Complaint will thoroughly be investigated
4. Complainant will be notified of the results of the investigation

The Mount Pleasant Police Department recognizes its responsibility, both to itself and to the public, to thoroughly investigate all complaints of misconduct brought against its members.

To accomplish this task, the Mount Pleasant Police Department has implemented an internal procedure which provides for a diligent, systematic inquiry of complaints received. It is by this process that valid complaints are separated from allegations, which are false, so that corrective measures may be utilized to provide quality law enforcement and instill the community’s confidence in the Department.

A complaint may be made by any individual, either by telephone, in writing or in person. The complainant may choose to identify himself or remain anonymous.

A complainant may be submitted to any supervisor of the Mount Pleasant Police Department. The complaints received will be forwarded to the Office of Professional Standards. A written report of the complaint will be made.

A thorough investigation will be conducted of the events surrounding the incident in question.

Citizens who accuse a member of the Mount Pleasant Police Department of committing a crime, violating a person’s civil rights, dereliction of duty or acts of gross misconduct will be given the opportunity to present their complaint to a representative of the Office of Professional Standards. Upon competition of a thorough investigation, the complainant will be notified by letter from the Office of Professional Standards of the disposition of the complaint. This procedure generally requires thirty (30) days.

The disposition of complaints is classified as follows:

Not Involved
Officer was not present at the time of the alleged misconduct.

Unfounded
The investigation proved that the act or acts complained of did not occur

Exonerated
The acts, which provide the basis for the complaint or allegation, occurred; however, investigation revealed that they were justified, lawful and proper.

Not Sustained
Investigation failed to disclose sufficient evidence to prove the allegation made in the complaint.

Sustained
The investigation disclosed sufficient evidence to prove clearly the allegations made in the complaint.